Austin Community College board of trustees voted Monday night to raise all student tuition by $5 per credit hour to help offset significant state budget cuts outlined in House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 1.
This change will go into effect immediately for the Summer 2011 semester. Registration for the summer begins on April 7.
The board's decision will increase tuition to cost a total of $47 per credit hour for in-district students and $155 for out-of-district students, meaning a standard 3-hour course will now cost $141 before additional fees are added.
This summer, ACC trustees plan to consider possible additional increases that may go into effect fall 2011 and spring 2012, according to a press release issued by the college.
Below is the full press release:
For immediate release – April 5, 2011
ACC Board Approves $5 Tuition Increase
Increase to help offset significant state budget cuts outlined in HB1, SB1
AUSTIN, Texas (April 5, 2011) – Austin Community College District trustees voted Monday night to increase tuition by $5 per credit hour for all students, effective summer 2011. In-district tuition will be $47 per hour; out-of-district tuition will be $155 per hour.
This summer, ACC trustees plan to consider possible additional increases that may go into effect fall 2011 and spring 2012.
"We don't like to raise tuition, but we are facing an extremely tough economy," says Dr. Barbara Mink, chair of the ACC Board of Trustees. "This is a modest increase that allows us to partially offset drastic cuts in state funding while maintaining quality programs and services. We will look at all options for cost savings, because we are mindful of the impact a tuition increase has on students."
The college has three primary sources of funding: local property tax revenue, state appropriations, and student tuition/fees. Property tax revenue is expected to stay flat in the upcoming fiscal year, and state appropriations are expected to fall approximately 20 percent before accounting for enrollment growth. ACC is currently growing by more than 4,000 students annually (enrolling a record 45,056 credit students this semester). Considering the failure to fund growth, the net loss in state aid is more than 30 percent.
"The state has put us in a very difficult position; however, ACC remains dedicated to providing an affordable option for higher education," says Dr. Mink. "We will maintain our focus on student success and providing access to programs that encourage economic growth in Central Texas."
ACC continues to expand scholarship opportunities, and the college offers a variety of payment options to help students.
ACC's budget development process provides for a number of institutional efficiencies. These include streamlining course schedules and reducing the administrative budget by 10 percent.
Summer 2011 registration starts April 7 for current and former ACC students. New students can register for summer classes beginning May 2. For more information on applying and registering, please visit austincc.edu/apply.
In-district tuition applies to students who reside within ACC's taxing district, which includes the city of Austin as well as the Austin, Leander, Manor, Del Valle, Round Rock, Elgin, and Hays school districts. Out-of-district tuition applies to students who live outside the taxing district but within Texas.
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About the Austin Community College District (austincc.edu):
ACC, Central Texas' community college, is the primary gateway to higher education and career training for residents in eight counties. The college provides access to affordable, quality education. ACC enrolls more than 45,000 credit students, offering university transfer courses, two-year associate degrees, certificates, Early College Start, access programs that get students "college-ready," and continuing education. At ACC you can "Start here. Get there."
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